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The Human Papillomavirus: What Every Young Woman Should Know

NORMAN - Sexually transmitted diseases are not easy to talk about, especially those targeting young girls. But health experts say the time to start talking is now and their main focus is the most common STD - the human papillomavirus or HPV.

The statistics are alarming:

There are more cases of genital HPV infection than any other STD in the United States.

20 million Americans are infected with HPV and another 6.2 million will be diagnosed within the next year.

By age 50, at least 80 percent of women will have been infected with HPV.

At least half of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.

HPV can cause genital warts as well as cervical and other forms of cancer. There is a vaccine available that can protect females from four types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers and genital warts. But the vaccine, like many, has seen its share of controversy.

On Monday, November 2 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm Norman Regional Health System OB/GYN Dr. Dianne Chambers will share important details about HPV and the vaccine available to girls and young women. She will also answer any questions you may have. HPV is a virus you may not know too much about, but you should.

Dr. Chambers’ seminar can help provide you with the information you need to know to make informed decisions about your health and the health of your daughter. The seminar is free and open to anyone.